Vulnerability refers to the state of being open to physical or emotional harm, attack, or damage. It is the capacity to be wounded or hurt, either in a literal sense or in a metaphorical sense, such as being emotionally exposed or susceptible to negative feelings or situations. In a broader context, vulnerability can also refer to weaknesses in systems, such as computer security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
The word "vulnerability" comes from the Latin word "vulnerabilis," which means "able to be wounded," derived from "vulnus," meaning "wound." The term evolved through Old French before entering English in the late 15th century.